What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to enhance the operational range and humidity independence of proton exchange membrane fuel cells using dual-network membranes.

February 27, 2026

Synergistic Hydrogen-Bonding and Covalent Crosslinking in Polybenzimidazole Membranes for Wide-Temperature Anhydrous Fuel Cells.

Key Points

The study aims to enhance the operational range and humidity independence of proton exchange membrane fuel cells using dual-network membranes.
Developed a dual-network architecture combining hydrogen-bonding and covalent crosslinking in polybenzimidazole membranes.
Characterized the TBAm-PBI-TB membrane for phosphoric acid uptake, proton conductivity, and mechanical properties.
Compared the performance of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) under anhydrous conditions with that of Nafion-based MEAs.
The TBAm-PBI-TB membrane achieved a phosphoric acid uptake of 469.5% with negligible leaching.
Proton conductivities reached 255.5 mS cm-1 at 90°C and 20% RH, and 264.7 mS cm-1 at 160°C under anhydrous conditions.
Peak power densities of the MEA ranged from 108.6 to 446.2 mW cm-2 between 30 and 160°C, exceeding Nafion 211 performance.

Abstract

Expanding the operational temperature range and reducing the humidity dependence of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) remain critical challenges. To address these issues, we developed a dual-network architecture that integrates a thermally reinforced hydrogen-bonding matrix with an amine-anhydride covalent crosslinking framework within Tröger's Base (TB)-functionalized polybenzimidazole membranes. The covalently crosslinked TBAm-PBI-TB membrane with dual-network architecture exhibited a high phosphoric acid uptake of 469.5% with negligible leaching and achieved proton conductivities of 255.5 mS cm- 1 at 90°C and 20% relative humidity (RH) and 264.7 mS cm- 1 at 160°C under anhydrous conditions. It also demonstrated excellent oxidative and mechanical stability. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) based on the TBAm-PBI-TB membrane delivered peak power densities ranging from 108.6 to 446.2 mW cm- 2 between 30 and 160°C under anhydrous H2/air conditions. This maximum power density exceeds that of a Nafion 211-based MEA, which reached 367.8 mW cm- 2 at 30°C under 40%-50% RH. The MEA also showed outstanding operational durability. This work presents a strategy for developing wide-temperature proton-conducting membranes for anhydrous fuel cells.

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